Candle carousels go back as far as 6th century Germany and now are slowly taking over the title of the main coziness accessory. What is a candle carousel and why you should get one?
What is a candle carousel?
A candle carousel, also known as a "Christmas pyramid" or "Weihnachtspyramide" in Germany, is a decorative piece that uses heat from candles to spin a fan, which in turn rotates a carousel. The first candle carousels were made of wood and ranged in sizes from a few inches to a few feet tall. These carousels often featured intricate designs and can have several layers, typically adorned with festive scenes.
The candle carousel originated in the Ore Mountains of Germany and is a beloved holiday tradition in many cultures. It symbolizes light and warmth during the winter season, embodying the concept of hygge, the Danish philosophy of coziness and comfort. The biggest Christmas Pyramid is 48 feet tall and is displayed at the annual Christmas market in Dresden, Germany.
Modern versions of candle carousels
Nowadays the candle carousels are much more compact and come in different shapes and sizes. Some of the candle carousels are designed as a topper for a regular candle, some come attached to a base that serve as a candle holder.
One of the most popular types of candle carousels is the tea light candle carousel. It’s very compact and only requires one tea light candle to work. The tea light candles are less costly than a standard size candle which makes is the most accessible option.
Modern tea light carousels are mostly made of metal to make them more fire resistant. The candle heat that rises to move the paddles also heats up the mechanism, so it’s much safer to use a metal alloy instead of wood.
Candle carousel uses and purpose
A candle carousel can be used anytime and anywhere a candle can be lit. Candles are amazing for creating a hygge atmosphere by spreading a warm cozy glow through any space. With candle carousels the magic of candles is enhanced - the candle light reflects from the paddles and the ornaments as the heat from the candle rises to put the carousel in motion.
Candle carousels with attachable ornaments are very customizable and can match any room’s theme or mood. Some may think that they are only used around holiday time, but the seasonality of the carousel is determined by the ornaments you choose, so you can enjoy it any time of year.
Which candles are the best to use with candle carousels?
Long burning candles are definitely the best to use with candle carousel. Tea light candles are especially short-lived if they are low quality, so it’s important to find good quality candles to ensure that you won’t have to replenish the carousel’s candle every hour.
Natural beeswax candles are some of the longest lasting candles, and that’s what we recommend for Hygge Glo candle carousels.